Louisville businesses hope to cash in on last-minute holiday shoppers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Whether you shop better under pressure, can't wrap your own gifts or are left with no other options, Carmichael's Bookstore is here to ease the minds of shoppers on Christmas Eve.

“I don't shop at the big box stores. That seems to be where a lot of the chaos happens,” said holiday shopper Brett Howard.

“We get a lot of business because we have gifts for everyone. You can shop for your children up to your grandparents,” said Carol Besse, who opened the bookstore 37 years ago.

But Besse isn’t taking all of the credit for its success.

“The shop local movement has been tremendous for us. It means a lot to us that people shop here because they want to keep us here." Besse said. “The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) is helping out with that.”

According to a LIBA survey, 77% of businesses agreed that LIBA's Buy Local First campaign positively impacted their business and 62% reported an increase in overall sales in 2014.

Just a few doors down, another local shop was reaping the benefits of business on Christmas Eve.

“This is the best local shop because the money stays here, but it also helps people in foreign countries,” said Debbie Mahoney, a volunteer at Just Creations.

So whether you waited until the last minute, can't tie a bow or enjoy shopping under a deadline, these local Louisville shops are hoping to give the big box stores a run for their money.

To learn more about how you can take part in LIBA’s shop local initiative, click here.